What You Need To Know

According to FBI data, in the first four months of 2021, the FBI received about 30,000 cases of identity theft nationwide. Compare that to the 40,000 cases the FBI received all last year. “I got a strange email from someone I never dealt with, asking me why I sent them a bill for photography services for almost $1,000,” said Michael Pagano, who had his identity first stolen in February. Pagano says he immediately called law enforcement and filed a report, which is exactly what the FBI recommends. “You absolutely want to file a police report, because that will be part of your proof when you contact the companies to try and dispute the charges or anything that has happened to your identity,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Ronald Hopper. But in the following four months, Pagano says someone opened up a credit card in his name, changed his mailing address, and even signed up for informed delivery — a service which allows you to track your mail before it’s delivered. “They were then able to see all our mail coming in, and it wasn’t just me at that point, it was also my daughter and wife,” said Pagano. According to FBI reports, in 2019 — there were 2,953 reports of identity theft in Florida. In 2020, there were 6,334 reports. And for 2021? "It's on track to grow three times what it is already currently and the pandemic is a large part,” said Hopper. Hopper says with more people working from home and networking online, criminals from anywhere in the world have easier access to your personal information. “Personally, I was a victim of it. I actually have a set up on my credit card anytime more than $1 is charged, I get an email or text and I verify it,” said Hopper. “I was a little shocked at first, but it makes you realize that no one is immune to it.” Pagano describes the online world as the wild, wild west — one with few security measures. “To file a change of address, there’s almost no background check,” said Pagano. The United State Postal Service is investigating Pagano’s case, but declined to share details. An agency spokesman says it processes 37 million address changes a year and says most are legitimate. The spokesman issued a statement reading in part, “… As these situations arise, the USPS reevaluates their internal controls to address security concerns.” For Pagano, while he’s taking all the precautions he can, he still doesn’t feel totally protected. Hopper says unfortunately, it is difficult to find those criminals, which is why he is urging everyone to take the safety steps before you’re a victim. He says the most important step is creating strong passwords, and changing them every few months. Protect Yourself

Report Fraud If you're a victim of identity theft or have information about these types of crimes, you can:

Cyber Crime Vulnerability Tips The following tips can help protect individuals and businesses from being victimized by cyber actors: DO:

DON'T:

If private sector partners have additional questions, you can reach out to local FBI Field Office Private Sector Coordinators. If you have evidence your child's data may have been compromised, if you are the victim of an internet scam or cybercrime, or if you want to report suspicious activity, please visit the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.